Pante Macassar, Timor-Leste, June 18, 2019 (Lusa)
Timorese President Francisco Guterres Lu-Olo today called for a strategic plan for business and tourism to capitalise on the near $120 million (€107 million) investment in the enclave of Oecusse-Ambeno, marked by the inauguration of its new international airport.
Airport Inauguration and Presidential Address
Lu-Olo spoke at the inauguration ceremony of the Oecusse-Ambeno International Airport “Sandalwood Route” in Pante Macassar, held on the fifth anniversary of the creation of the Special Administrative Region of Oecusse-Ambeno (RAEOA).
“The RAEOA Authority has already demonstrated that it is capable, and the President of the Republic expects to see a strategic plan for carrying out business and tourism in order to make this investment possible of almost 120 million dollars, obtain return and putting Timor-Leste on an internationally recognized level,” Lu-Olo said.
He also called for the rapid establishment of a dedicated civil aviation authority:
“We already have an airport that meets international quality standards. It is now necessary to create, as soon as possible, a unit responsible for the development of civil aviation policies and targets to be achieved, including the legal framework and the development plan.”
Considering that “air transport paves the way to economic growth and development,” the President stated that the airport “will facilitate the integration of the enclave into the regional and international economy.”
Oecusse’s Historical Significance
Lu-Olo highlighted Oecusse’s deep historical roots, noting it was here that the first Portuguese missionary, the Dominican António Taveira, arrived more than 500 years ago, beginning the evangelisation that spread throughout the country.
“Oecusse is the cradle of the country,” he said.
The RAEOA/ZEESM Project
The President credited the creation of the RAEOA and its special economic zone (ZEESM) to an agreement between Xanana Gusmão and Mari Alkatiri, describing it as a shared national vision:
“The creation of RAEOA/ZEESM is a joint product of two founders and leaders of this nation, which emerged from a single vision: to create, from the Oecusse, a special area for commerce with a social character in order to boost economic growth based on the social market economy, serving as a model for the whole country.”
Lu-Olo praised the enclave as a “laboratory” and model for other municipalities, noting measurable improvements in poverty rates, child mortality, and other social indicators since the project’s inception.
“After all, it is possible to achieve great results and quality at a reduced cost. Leadership and management ability shows that we can accelerate the implementation of infrastructure projects,” he said.
Key Statistics and Financial Overview
Despite progress, Lu-Olo acknowledged significant challenges remain, citing data that underscore the need for continued investment:
| Indicator | Figure |
|---|---|
| Households below the poverty line (Oecusse) | ~60% |
| National poverty rate average | 41% |
| Adults (15–49) unable to read or write | ~1 in 3 |
| RAEOA budget spent (2014–2018) | $410 million of $571 million budgeted |
| Airport investment | ~$120 million |
| Fees and taxes collected (2015–2018) | Over $30 million |
“Continuity and policy consistency are the foundation stones for investor stability and confidence. From now on, the role of the private sector will become increasingly important,” the President said.
Dignitaries in Attendance
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior Timorese officials and regional guests, including:
- Arão Noé Amaral — President of the Parliament
- Deolindo dos Santos — President of the Court of Appeal
- José Ramos-Horta — Former President of Timor-Leste
- Viktor Laiskodat — Governor of East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia
- Members of the Government and National Parliament deputies